How to prepare for GRE | 6 best strategies

 

Achieving high scores in GRE is possible only with a consistent and planned study schedule. To determine the best techniques for preparing for the GRE, you must first consider where you stand. For instance, take time to understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. Only after that will you be able to create an effective study plan that will help you attain a good score on the test. Below are some strategies that give light on how to prepare for GRE.

 

1. Read a lot of analytical non-fiction 

Studying for the GRE will become a chore if you are not engaged in extra analytical non-fiction. The intriguing question is how to prepare for GRE verbal? According to research, students who ace the GRE verbal section are often philosophy or liberal arts majors. They become well-versed in a variety of narratives and academic writing. 

Reading about issues unrelated to your main areas of interest may not be a fun activity for you, but it will pay off in the long term. Reading passages on the GRE requires you to become an excellent reader of a variety of materials and students who are well-versed in a variety of literature have a big advantage. 

2. Maintain a consistent GRE study schedule.

The specific amount of study time required for ideal GRE results varies by individual. Students must establish a strong command of the test, which takes at least three months of thorough GRE preparation. Five months would be even better if you have the luxury of extra time. The most important thing is to create and stick to a planned study schedule. 

Make a realistic daily schedule that allows time for each GRE segment and ensures that you cover all the ground. Finally, you must know that you are your own teacher and coach. You must study ahead of time to ensure smooth performance on test days. 

3. Take practice tests

One of the most significant hurdles to taking the GRE is stress. While each section may be manageable on its own, completing the entire test in one session (3 hours and 45 minutes) is comparable to running a marathon. Therefore, you must be prepared and ensure that you exercise, stretch, and gradually increase your weekly GRE mileage over several months. Students need to develop their learning stamina to ace the test.

Practice tests will assist you in learning to pace yourself. They will serve as useful benchmarks, and taking practice exams is also an excellent way to improve testing endurance. Practicing the entire GRE in one sitting will give you a feel for the test’s mental and physical demands. This allows you to complete the entire test effectively. 

Take your practice exams in a setting that is as close to a real GRE administration as possible. You want your brain to acclimatize to taking the test in different scenarios. 

4. Understand your weaknesses

The areas of the GRE that you find the most challenging are almost certainly the ones that you despise the most. If you are a math whiz who has little use for verbose writing on arcane topics, swimming through dense language will feel like a swamp. 

On the other hand, those who dislike numbers find it difficult to understand the principles of math. However, knowing your shortcomings and how to solve them can aid you in developing a well-thought-out study strategy. Make every attempt to plan your study routine so that you can concentrate on your inadequacies more. It may be unsettling at first, but with practice, it will become less so. 

Choose study resources that enhance your abilities and knowledge rather than simple tasks. Working through content that you find difficult is a goal you must focus on. 

 

5. Keep track of your progress

Prospective employers look for proof of how applicants have contributed to work projects. They are interested in stats and actual proof of accomplishments. Similarly, clear performance benchmarks might also help with GRE preparation. It is critical to keep track of your development since it will provide you with a clear image of your progress. It helps you to assess the effectiveness of your study techniques and helps you know if you need to make any changes.

Your improvement metric should have a consistent set of criteria. You should track your progress daily. Regular self-evaluation will reveal your progress for each question type and area. By tracking your study routine, you will be able to identify any negative habits and improve upon them.

6. Trust your instincts

You must have taken multiple-choice tests where you had to choose the correct answer but could not make up your mind. In such circumstances, you must research the problem and absorb the facts. Then you must weigh your options and narrow them down to the most likely correct one. 

A “gut instinct” is simply another way of describing intuition and the capacity to understand something without cognitive input. Hedging your bets on a 50% success rate (after you’ve narrowed your response options to two) might be uncomfortable when taking the GRE. Trusting your intuition might become a quick way to make a sensible decision. 

It is fine to follow your instincts and go with your gut instinct as long as you’ve prepared thoroughly and are using solid test-taking tactics. Everyone’s subconscious mind processes a lot of information and your gut instinct can assist you in solving an issue when your conscious mind fails. 

 

Key Takeaways

• GRE preparation that is effective will make you smarter and more adaptive. If you can find a dedicated study environment where you can focus without any distractions you will be able to devote your full effort into increasing your GRE scores. 
• The GRE is the only general admissions exam that is accepted by hundreds of graduate schools throughout the world. It’s ideal to think of the GRE as a chance for admissions and scholarships, and a good GRE score can even compensate for a poor GPA. 
• If you follow the suggestions stated above, your GRE study methods will be enhanced. If you put in enough time and effort, you should see improvements in both your GRE scores and your overall thinking skills. 

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FAQs 

Q1. How much time does it take to prepare for the GRE? 

Answer – Usually, most students study for the GRE for one to three months, putting in a few hours per week. This indicates that preparing for the GRE might take anything from eight to 120 hours (studying two hours per week for four weeks or studying ten hours a week for 12 weeks). 

Q2. Is it worthwhile to take GRE classes? 

Answer – For many, if not all, students, GRE test prep classes may be quite beneficial. They may assist you in determining how and where you should invest your time to achieve major improvements in your GRE results. 

Q3. How to prepare for the GRE at home on my own? 

Answer – You should be able to study on your own if you are a dedicated student who feels secure and has no major weaknesses. If you want more structure and/or help, you may consider enrolling in a GRE class or hiring a tutor.

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All the best!